McKenna's Honor

Clan MacDougall #4

by Suzan Tisdale

Dark times have fallen upon Scotland.
King David II is a prisoner of England. Angus McKenna, revered chief of Clan MacDougall, and his son-in-law Duncan McEwan sit in a dungeon in Edinburgh, accused of crimes against their king and country. Their wives are missing.

Can devotion, honor and fealty light a candle in the darkness?

Invoking the Bond of the Seven Clans, Nial McKee, son-in-law to Angus McKenna sets out to discover the truth behind the charges. While he enlists the help of his good friends Caelen McDunnah and Rowan Graham, his lovely wife Bree appeals to friends of her own for a much different kind of assistance.

But time is running out for Angus and Duncan. Friendship and love of family alone might not be enough to save McKenna’s Honor.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Scotland, Fiction

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2013

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. All but one of her children have left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. And she doesn’t own a single pair of yoga pants, much to the shock and horror of her fellow authors. She prefers to write in her pajamas.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzan Tisdale deserves a standing applause for McKenna's Honor, this book is beautifully written, light romance, action and adventure. "Angus Hangs at dawn" I can literally hear these words in my head, with main characters Angus and Duncan locked up charged with crimes against their king and country, their wives and children missing. The Seven clans rally up to find the truth and save their honorable friends. It's a remarkable story and I can't wait until the next book from Suzan Tisdale

[Monica Boots · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most dreaded words to hear `Angus hangs at dawn'. Angus and Duncan have been sentenced to hang because of crimes against their king and country. Their wives and Duncan's children are missing. And so begins a race against time to prevent that from happening and clear their names. Along the way the MacDougall men get help from Lady Arline. I loved this book. My stomach was tied in knots the whole time up till the very end. I loved the courageous Lady Arline and am so glad she will be back in Rowan's Lady. Yet again Suzan Tisdale gives us an amazing book and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzan has done it again. This story is so full of twists and turns and kept you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Looking forward to more about Arline and a new adventure. Suzan Tizdale's books are so amazingly entertaining and I highly recommended reading the whole series, you will come to love her stories as much as we all do. Waiting patiently for "Rowan's Lady" to come out.

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
This novella brought together the main and secondary characters of the three previous books of the series, so to be able to really appreciate the genius of this story, you would be benefitted by reading at least one of the previous books in the series.

All the clans came together with one purpose – to free their Laird Agnus and his foster son Duncan McEwan. The story takes off in a frenzy. Clan men are traveling to Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany to ask for a pardon. The clans have come together, an agreement made some years back where if a clan is in need of assistance, the others will provide it. This goal elicits themes centered around honor, love, greed and jealously.

Forces, the listener is not aware of who or what, are against Angus and Duncan. Both men said they were guilty of a crime which is punishable by death. Why? Time grows short while the clans race to their aid. Suzan Tisdale has hidden the antagonist so well behind twists and turns, it was a complete surprise when revealed.

The wives of his most trusted friends also scheme to ‘kidnap’ the two men. They very nearly succeed. However, the results are not what they imagine. I wanted, no NEEDED to see how the men would be saved. Who would or could provide proof of their innocence? And who is the bastard trying to do this?

For a novella, it was extremely entertaining, wonderfully fast-paced and I was cheering for their success in saving Agnus and Duncan. It truly was a wonderful ending to this series. Ms. Tisdale is one of those historical romance writers who put lots of history into the story, so after I finished the listen, I spent some time quenching my curiosity about the history around these events.

Arlene Lindsay, the young wife of the laird of one of the seven clans, was given a secret by her ill and dying husband to clear Agnus and Duncan. He asked her to travel to Castle Sterling to present the proof. Someone knew she had it for she and her travelling companions were attacked on the way. Who wants Agnus and Duncan dead so desperately? And now who is willing to kill a woman to make it happen? My reader friends, this is one nail-biting read with plenty of suspense.

Brad Wills voiceover is perfect for Suzan Tisdale’s series. If you haven’t had the pleasure of listening to his work, you really should. He is one of the best. He has such control over emotional scenes, changing from one emotion to another even in a scene where emotions are totally different. He’s marvelous when he speaks the inner thoughts of the characters. He had me ‘watching’ the silver screen with the listen. Between Ms. Tisdale’s writing and his production, I spent hours of pure entertainment deep in the highlands. Thank you both.

[Daisy Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will appear at Romantic Historical Lovers on 9/5.


“Angus hangs at dawn.” Four words that will chill anyone to the bone. Well, anyone reading the Clan MacDougall series by Suzan Tisdale. These words lead us into a world of intrigue, deception, and deadly games.

Angus and Duncan have been accused of treason. When the charges are read, both Angus and Duncan plead guilty. But why? Everyone knows they would never betray Scotland. But with their pleas, they are set to hang.

While McKenna’s Honor is not a romance in its strictest form, it’s still about love and devotion. It’s about the love Angus has for his clan and his wife. It’s about the love a man has for his wife, his clan, his country, his king and about the love a woman has for her husband, her clan, her country and her king.

And let me tell you, these are some serious kick-butt women! They do us proud!

For a novella there is quite a bit going on in this story. It does a beautiful job of introducing new characters I hope we get to see in later stories, it brings us a little more information about the world the Clan MacDougall lives in. It definitely makes the other stories richer as it brings a new light and angle on some of the past events.

I’m so ready for the next Suzan Tisdale book. They just keep getting better and better!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I’ve now read 4 Suzan Tisdale books in a row. Whew! I’m not obsessive, believe me.(Yea, right!) But when I do find a new author I like, I will tend to read straight through his/her books.

But, that’s enough of my personal foibles.

I loved, loved, loved McKenna’s Honor. This book doesn’t have a romantic arc, so don’t expect one when you pick it up. There are romantic elements as far as thoughts and ideas of characters towards their husbands and wives. Don’t let that deter you from reading the book. If you’ve read the others in the series, this one is a must read as well, especially since it appears to serve as a bridge between the Clan MacDougall series and the Clan Graham series.

Angus McKenna and his son-in-law, Duncan McEwan, are in prison for crimes against the king. Their wives, Isobel and Aishlinn, who is also Angus’s daughter, are missing. Duncan’s children are missing as well. It’s not long before the men are sentenced to hang at dawn. Angus’s signed confession hasn’t helped matters, but he is a man of honor, and the safety of his clan means everything to him. The old adage, things are not always what they appear to be, holds very true in Angus’s case. I won’t say more for fear of revealing plot twists.

I literally couldn’t put this book down. The plot is tightly woven and literally drives you forward to the next disaster of which there is one after the other. You really feel the anguish of everyone involved at the thought that they might not be able to rescue Angus or Duncan from the hangman’s noose. I don’t think I’ve read a book that had so many scenes from different viewpoint characters, but the plot is woven in such a way that you don’t notice the changes. The revealing of the plot, layer by peeled layer, is fabulously done. Its doubly nice as we are in the heads of characters we have already grown to love through the first three books. The introduction of Lady Arline is compelling, and her meeting with Rowan Graham set us up nicely for the next book Rowan’s Lady.

Tisdale’s growth as a writer has been nothing short of inspirational. I only hope I can do as well with my own novels. She is certainly a force to be reckoned with among Scottish historical romance.

Now, on to Rowan’s Lady.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Hold On To Your Highlanders Kilt as Ms Suzan Tisdale Takes You On Another Wild Ride In McKenna's Honor!, August 3, 2013
By Barb114 (usa) - See all my reviews


Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: McKenna's Honor, A Novella, Book Four of The Clan MacDougall Series (Kindle Edition)
Another wonderful book by Ms. Suzan Tisdale who never fails to leave you hanging at the edge of your seat as never knowing what's going to happen! This book was extra special as by appearance's by characters from her previous books I love that when that happens. As you can read her books alone or together. I fell in love with this author after I read her debut book Laiden's Daughter which I have read more then once. Ms. Tisdale never disappoints and leaves you wanting more. This book gets you ready for her next book Rowan's Lady which I can't wait to read. So buckle your seat belts or perhaps find a highlander and hold on to his kilt, either way get ready for a wild exciting ride as you get lost in a journey filled with twists and turns. I loved this book it's simply wonderful as all her books are simply magnificent!

Clan MacDougall Series

Book 1 - Laiden's Daughter
Book 2 - Findley's Lass
Book 3 - Wee William's Woman
Book 4 - McKenna's Honor A Novella
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
Permalink
Comment Comment

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Angus hangs at Dawn....." Wow! What an amazing book. Suzan Tisdale is an extremely talented author who has you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails in suspense with McKenna's Honor. Angus is one of my favorite characters in the Clan MacDougall series and when I saw those four words, I thought I might cry! McKenna's Honor takes you on a wild ride about love, loyalty and treason. Angus is the strong, handsome and devoted clan chief who will stop at nothing to save and protect his family and clan, even if that means going against all he believes in. McKenna's Honor was very well written. I could picture all of the characters and their surroundings as if they were in front of me. I loved the family love and loyalty that was shown in this book. I look forward to learning more about Lady Arline! Thank you Suzan for a great book!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

For anyone who loves a great escapade set in the romantic but harsh medieval Scotland, this story is the cream!

Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark times have fallen over Scotland, King David II is a prisoner of England. Angus McKenna, revered chief of Clan MacDougall, and his son-in-law Duncan McEwan sit in a dungeon in Edinburgh, accused of crimes against their King and Country. Their wives and children are missing. Invoking the Bond of the Seven Clans, Nial McKee, son-in-law of Angus Mckenna sets out to discover the truth behind the charges. While he enlists the help of his good friends Caelen Mc Dunnah and Rowan Graham, his lovely wife Bree appeals to have friends of her own for a much different kind of assistance and help. However, time is running out for Angus and Duncan. Friendship, Love, and Honor for the family might not be enough to save McKenna's Honor.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will begin by saying this is the first book I have read by this particular author.
Within the first few minutes I was captured by the story. Very captivating and draws the reader in to await the next turn of the page. This read made me want to find the rest of the series and begin reading them immediately. I realize I have started at the end but this book is great enough to stand on its own and it tells enough of the story so nothing feels like its left out.

One minute I found myself holding my breath to see what would happen next, and the next minute I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics that were taking place. I was gritting my teeth because I couldn't start reading the series immediately when I finished this one.

This author has included romance, humor, strength, love, and closeness of family, sadness, and other emotions within the book. I would recommend not starting the book at bedtime because you will find yourself in the middle of an all-nighter!!!!!! It draws you in and doesn't let you go.

If you are looking for a great book to read, you will not be disappointed in any way with this choice. The only thing I might recommend is to begin with book one and read them in order, but that is not really necessary.

Dark times have fallen upon Scotland.
King David II is a prisoner of England. Angus McKenna, revered chief of Clan MacDougall, and his son-in-law Duncan McEwan sit in a dungeon in Edinburgh, accused of crimes against their king and country. Their wives are missing.

Can devotion, honor and fealty light a candle in the darkness?

Invoking the Bond of the Seven Clans, Nial McKee, son-in-law to Angus McKenna sets out to discover the truth behind the charges. While he enlists the help of his good friends Caelen McDunnah and Rowan Graham, his lovely wife Bree appeals to friends of her own for a much different kind of assistance.

But time is running out for Angus and Duncan. Friendship and love of family alone might not be enough to save McKenna’s Honor.

[Mainer207 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. There was so much packed into just under five hours.

The characters are great. Wee William is one of my favorites. I made the mistake of reading ROWAN'S LADY before this one but it was good to see how things got to the point that's depicted in that book.

I felt quite strongly about Phillip when his childhood was described. I wanted him to be one of the good guys. Suzan Tisdale weaves very interesting stories and this one is no exception.

Brad Wills' voice is amazing. I could listen to him all day. (Wait, I did.) I think this series could have benefited from better proofreaders or editors, though. For example, toward the end of the book Robert Stuart is called Robert Lindsay. Also, some of the narration was repeated. Minor things in this particular book but this type of thing appears in each of these books. Rather annoying. Overall, very good listen.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely have a love-hate with novellas. Short enough that I can get through it in a few hours but I'm usually left wanting more and feeling a lack of detail in the storyline. "McKenna's Honor" had none of that; great detail, engaging plot and build-up for Tisdale's next novel left me with a bearable sadness that the tale was over and high anticipation for "Rowan's Lady" (reportedly out sometime in Fall 2013). A VERY light romance for those who enjoy "clean" romance. This novella could probably stand on it's own but the number of characters mentioned may be difficult to follow if the reader has not yet read Tisdale's previous three books.

[Lori Meehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a another freaking fabulous book by Suzan Tisdale! When I first read the book blurb I thought "oh no I don't want to read about my beloved Angus and Duncan being hung for treason" (face palm). I don't know why I waited. I loved everything about this story. There is so much going on in the story, to much to sum up in this review. Except to say that Angus and Duncan are found guilty of treason against the King of Scotland. All the important characters from the past books are there including a new one, Arline. She is a really strong heroine and I can't wait for her HEA.
This is not a stand alone book and must be read in order of series.

[Kimi Court · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow where to start. If I didn't like this series already, this book would suck me in and have me buying all the previous books. I loved it, The book covered everything, Mystery, espionage, action, Oh and the humor. I also loved the ending. This book deserves a long and thought out review, but to do so from my opinion would be hard to say without giving away the book or making it soundless. I just don't have the ability to do it justice, so I will leave you with what I already said. It is more than a 5 star book.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that is great asa stand alone but brings so many of the wonderful characters from previous books.
Keeps you guessing on who the bad guys are and how they are all connected.
She has so many characters that stil need rheir stories told. You won't be disappointed but start from the beginning and treat yourself to the series so far!!
Can't wait for Rowan's story.

[Eniko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the series. Wee William is still my fave character of all, among the awesome people brought to life in this series. This book is shows us the deep loyalty of a clan and love of family that all Highlanders have. They protect their own to the last breath, the same is said of their women who are no less brave. A great read, you will not be disappointed!!!

[Shirley kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy to visualize

The first 3 books were enjoyable to read but this one was heart warming, tense, and very easy the see the characters as they rapidly rode their horses in battle. The plot was a little confusing at first but loosing yourself within the story is exhilarating.

[Annette K Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

This book kept me guessing all along. I didn't know where the wives were, didn't know what they had done to plead guilty. Didn't know how they were going to get out of trouble.

[Fiona Mcvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book enjoyed it a lot

[ROMANTIC HISTORICAL REVIEW BLOG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by: Lee Anne

Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...

[Crystal Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read with great introduction to new characters of the series.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is more of a bridge to the Clan Graham series than a romance. It is cleverly written and it introduces the Lady Arline whose story unfolds in Rowan's Lady.

[Annette Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read book flowed to allow for one day read

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write my reviews in real time as I read/listen to the story. I have read this kindle book, and I am currently listening to the audiobook.

2 minutes in and I'm like "ANGUS AND DUNCAN DID WHAT?!" No way. Not without good reason. Now, it's up to the story to prove it that Angus and Duncan are innocent, even though they pled guilty.

I'm so glad the other characters don't believe Angus to be a traitor. I love getting to see my favorite characters and getting updates. Poor Kate though, multiple miscarriages are so hard. As far as updates go, hers was heartbreaking.

The sheriff's father is dying and says that he has to tell his wife, Arlene, his secrets before he dies. I'm interested to see how this ties in to what's going on with Angus and Duncan. Who is the stranger in Carliche's room? The Stewart? The King? I hope Arlene gets her happily ever after. She's so brave for a girl of only 18.

I identify with Phillip Lindsey. I was also a child with an active imagination, who enjoys creating other worlds in my head. I am also "different". I enjoyed reading about his wife, Helena and how they met. I'm so glad that they turned out to be good characters.

I love that the women and children executed a rescue of Angus and Duncan. I always love when the women and children can pull one over on the men.

Bless, Arlene's mare got felled by a flaming arrow during the battle. A terrible end for a horse.

Final thoughts. WOW! There are so many moving parts in this book. Who took Isobel and Aishlinn, who is the bad guy, who killed the maid, who knows what is going on and who doesn't. It was SUCH a wild ride! I love how many story lines it opened up, and how many stories from the series were given an update. I'm not sure how I feel about Arlene and Rowan, because I like Kate. There was a spark there and I'm anxious to see how this turns out. I hope Arlene doesn't have to go into another loveless marriage. I want to know more about the men in the shadows!

I can't wait to see what happens next with my favorite characters, and the new ones who were introduced.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, a nicely written action-adventure story. Unlike the author's previous books, this book only has the barest hint of future romance. This story is the 4th in a series. While the book reads fine as a stand-alone, it will help to have read the previous books in the series. The story concerns 2 main characters from her previous books, Angus & Duncan, who are set to be executed for treason. Their fellow clanspeople do not believe they are guilty (even though they both confessed to the crime.) Angus & Duncan's wives have also mysteriously disappeared, leading to speculation that their wives possibly being in peril may be what prompted them to confess to treason. Two different sets of their clanspeople work on 2 different plans to rescue/help them. The book also introduces Lady Arline, who is the main character in the author's next book. Lady Arline is sent by her dying husband with mysterious evidence that he says will prove Angus & Duncan are innocent. A mysterious villian intends to stop at any cost, Lady Arline from delivering her evidence. There is a lot of mystery & intrigue in this book, and ending surprises as all the different plotlines and characters come together. The book could have been edited a bit better, in more than one place, a character from a previous book enters the scene, and then several pages later as an afterthought, a brief recap of their history is given. The book would have flowed better if the brief recap was given first, instead of later, especially for people who hadn't read the previous books. Also, the men in black were not fully explained (who they worked for, their motivation, their recruitment, etc.) The inclusion of the men in black was a bit mysterious itself, since they did not play any (seemingly?) integral part in the story. This book was full of excitement, and while short, packed in a lot of fast-moving story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shock Angus is a traitor & is to be hanged. While this is a stand alone, we know & love this fierce, honorable character.
This is a collaboration of most we have met as they mobalise & a new brave young, astute lass who makes a harrowing ride on behalf of her elderly husband, clan's alliances as well as for Scotland. All this is happens while a mysterious group of men in the shadow are watching, protecting & perhaps pulling the strings.
It's an exciting addition to the series though being a romantic I wanted more for the Lady Arline. Perhaps Rowan's Lady will shed some light.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor for country and clan

Angus McKenna and son-in-law Duncan stand accused of treason and, in fact, have admitted to the charges. The many clan members and any and all people who know these two don't believe it. So why did these two admit guilt and who is the Lady racing to Castle Stirling on a mission given to her by her husband? And who are the men actually guilty? Don't miss this one!! As always, Suzan Tisdale delivers a journey full of twists and turns with an ending you won't see coming.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another okay book.

There were lots of perspectives going on. But it was everyone's book. We resisted all the characters from other books, which was nice. It was three years later, so there were a few more kids and life that had been lived.

The mysterious plot kept me interested. I wanted know why Duncan and Angus were in trouble, because I was certain they didn't do what they were accused of and admitted to. And it was a satisfying ending, I think.

There were still little bits of the story that seemed random and unimportant. Or like they could be part of another book. I've noticed that this is a regular occurrence in Tisdale's books. And I'm not overly fond of it.

There were also some editing mistakes. Not a lot, but enough that I noticed.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I finally could read this book. I made a mistake reading Rowan's book before this and I didn't understand a lot of things.
This is not a love story, and that is not a bad thing. I consider this one as a final and an introduction as well. Now, I'm going to read again Rowan's (avoiding the sad parts)
I think I need to draw a "family tree" and write a "reading order" of all the related series.
I like Suzan Tisdale way of writting, I am a bit tired of other romance books with pages and pages with neverending sex scenes.
My 5 stars to MacDougall serie
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟